Natalie Schafer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Natalie Schafer
Schafer in 1942
Born	(1900-11-05)November 5, 1900 Red Bank, New Jersey
Died	April 10, 1991(1991-04-10) (aged 90) Beverly Hills, California
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1927–1990
Known for	Gilligan's Island Rescue from Gilligan's Island The Castaways on Gilligan's Island The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island
Spouse(s)	Louis Calhern ​ ​ (m. 1933; div. 1942)​
Partner(s)	Maurice Hill

Natalie Schafer (born November 5, 1900 – died April 10, 1991) was an American actress. She is most famous for playing Lovey Howell on the TV show Gilligan's Island from 1964 to 1967. She often played rich and fancy characters in her many roles.

Early Life and Acting Start

Natalie Schafer was born on November 5, 1900, in Red Bank, New Jersey. She was the oldest of three children. Her parents were Jennie and Charles Schafer.

Schafer started her acting career on Broadway in New York City. She appeared in 17 plays between 1927 and 1959. Most of these were shorter plays. However, she had longer runs in shows like Lady in the Dark (1941–42) and The Doughgirls (1942–44).

In 1941, she moved to Los Angeles to work in movies. She also began guest-starring in TV shows in the 1950s. For example, she appeared in an episode of Sherlock Holmes and "The Charm School" episode of I Love Lucy, both in 1954.

Famous TV Roles

Natalie Schafer played many roles on television. Her most famous part was "Lovey Howell" on Gilligan's Island. This popular show aired from 1964 to 1967. On the show, she played the wealthy wife of Thurston Howell III.

After Gilligan's Island ended, she played Lovey Howell again in three TV movies. These were Rescue from Gilligan's Island (1978), The Castaways on Gilligan's Island (1979), and The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island (1981). She also lent her voice to Lovey Howell in the cartoon versions of the show. These included The New Adventures of Gilligan (1974-77) and Gilligan's Planet (1982-83).

In 1969, Schafer was in a TV show called The Survivors. It was a drama with famous movie stars like Lana Turner. However, the show only lasted for one season. She also appeared in daytime soap operas. She played Helen Collins on Search for Tomorrow (1971–1972) and Augusta Roulland on Love of Life. Her last acting role was in the 1990 TV horror movie I'm Dangerous Tonight.

Schafer also made guest appearances on many other TV series. These included I Love Lucy (1954), The Beverly Hillbillies (1964), The Brady Bunch (1974), Three's Company (1978), and The Love Boat (1979).

Personal Life

Schafer in September 1990

Natalie Schafer was married to actor Louis Calhern from 1933 to 1942. They did not have any children. Schafer and Calhern also acted together in the 1956 film Forever, Darling.

Schafer was very private about her age. She reportedly never told her husband her real birth year. For many years, people thought she was born in 1912. However, after she passed away, it was discovered she was actually born in 1900. This surprised even her close friends. At the time of her death, a family spokesman mentioned her longtime partner, Maurice Hill.

Later Years and Legacy

Natalie Schafer passed away from liver cancer at her home in Beverly Hills, California. She was 90 years old. Her body was cremated, and her ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean.

She left a large gift of between $1.5 million and $2 million to the Lillian Booth Actors Home. This home helps actors who need care. Her money was used to make improvements to the hospital's outpatient wing. In 1993, this part of the hospital was renamed the Natalie Schafer Wing in her honor.

Partial Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Natalie Schafer para niños